Kentucky will secure its energy future with safe, efficient nuclear power | Opinion

Just a few years ago, the idea of Kentucky leading the next wave of nuclear energy development may have seemed ambitious. Today, it’s happening.

In a single week, we’ve seen two monumental announcements: the U.S. Department of Energy named Paducah’s Gaseous Diffusion Plant as one of four federally owned sites for future AI and energy infrastructure. Days later, as first reported by WKMS in Murray, KY, General Matter, a private nuclear firm backed by defense and tech leaders, confirmed plans to build the first privately developed uranium enrichment facility in the U.S., right here in Paducah.

Those announcements followed earlier news in June that Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), a privately held company with exclusive rights to SILEX laser enrichment technology, had formally submitted its federal license application to build a separate uranium enrichment facility next to the DOE site. SILEX uses lasers to enrich uranium in a far more efficient, compact, and precise way than traditional methods, condensing a process that once required sprawling infrastructure into a smaller, safer footprint. As recently reported by WPSD, GLE is targeting full operations by 2030, representing a parallel track of innovation with national security implications.

AI infrastructure will demand more power than ever before. Nuclear isn’t just an option anymore. It’s essential. The Trump administration’s executive order speeding up Nuclear Regulator Commission approvals shows that Washington understands the urgency.

It’s no coincidence. They reflect years of bipartisan work to restore our commonwealth’s role in the national energy conversation, and affirm what I’ve long believed: Paducah is again at the center of America’s nuclear future.

Since lifting the moratorium on nuclear development in 2017 with the passage of Senate Bill 11, the General Assembly has taken deliberate, bipartisan steps to build a strong policy and regulatory foundation for nuclear growth. In 2023, we created the Nuclear Energy Working Group through Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 79, which concluded there are no significant barriers to nuclear power production in our state. That groundwork informed SB 198 in 2024, establishing the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority to help communities become nuclear-ready and promote investment across the state.

To support this effort, we secured a transformative, one-time $40 million investment from the state’s reserve funds, as outlined in House Bill 1, to be held as a quasi-endowment at the University of Kentucky.

Also in 2024, we enacted SJR 140, directing the Public Service Commission to prepare its staffing, procedures, and regulations to handle nuclear siting and construction applications. We built on this momentum in 2025 with SB 179, establishing a $10 million grant program to attract nuclear development and support the growth of Kentucky’s nuclear ecosystem.

Each effort was meant to send a clear message: we’re open for business when it comes to safe, advanced nuclear technology.

The results speak for themselves.

These developments aren’t about nostalgia for Paducah’s past. They’re what’s next. Modern nuclear power is cleaner, safer, scalable, and essential to national energy security. I’m pleased to see this recognized across all levels of government and in a bipartisan manner. Whether it’s powering AI infrastructure or restoring American uranium independence, we’ll lead the way.

That support reflects a simple truth: high-quality jobs, reliable baseload power, and national security aren’t partisan. They’re just smart policy.

I’ve long supported an “all of the above” energy strategy valuing the commonwealth’s traditional strengths while embracing innovation. Nuclear is not a replacement for coal or natural gas. It’s compatible with, and even cleaner than, other clean energy options. It complements our rich energy portfolio. As we face rising grid demands and rapid technological advancement, nuclear provides a carbon-free, high-output solution, strengthening both the grid and our economy.

Paducah has the infrastructure, the history, the workforce, and now the momentum. We are no longer preparing for the future. We are shaping it. I’m proud the Kentucky General Assembly helped lay the foundation for this moment. I encourage the public to learn more about the possibilities of this safe, clean, and efficient technology.

I’m grateful to my colleagues across state government and applaud the Trump administration and investors for recognizing Paducah’s potential.

Let these announcements be a signal: The Bluegrass is not just participating in the future of nuclear energy. We’re leading it.

Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children and is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Education; Judiciary; and Health Services. He also serves on the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Nuclear Legislative Working Group.

This story was originally published August 5, 2025 at 7:35 AM.